Training, Organisational Commitment and Turnover Intention among Nigerian Civil Servants

Abstract

This article reports on a study that focused on analysing the impact of training and development (T&D) on organizational commitment and turnover intention among Nigerian public workers. The main objective of the study was to determine whether T&D influences employees’ commitment to the organization and the intention to stay or to leave the organization. Using a survey questionnaire and personal interview, data was collected from 297 civil servants and 8 departmental heads in Nigeria. Statistical analytical methods such as regression analysis were used to test the two hypotheses formulated, which were focused on determining the relationship between T&D and turnover intention; as well as T&D and the perceived impacts on employees’ commitment. The result suggests a positive correlation between T&D and organizational commitment and turnover intention. The result implies that investing in human capital is a critical strategic initiative for contemporary organizations because the ability of any organization to compete successfully is a function of the ability to retain their skilful and committed employees. The study contributes to knowledge in the field, as not much research has been done on the effects of T&D on public servants in Nigeria. Most of the studies have been carried out in Europe, America, Asia and largely in the manufacturing and service sectors.